Nets, Celtics have discussed Kevin Durant-Jaylen Brown swap: report
The Nets have received their best and most realistic trade offer in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes: A prospective deal centered around Boston Celtics’ All-Star guard Jaylen Brown.
The Celtics have made an offer for Durant, who requested a trade on June 30, that includes Brown, a one-time All-Star heralded as one of the NBA’s premier two-way wings; sixth man Derrick White; and a draft pick, according to The Athletic. The Nets rejected the Celtics’ offer and asked Boston to include reigning Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, an additional rotation player and draft compensation.
As it stands, Brown is the best individual player the Nets have been offered in a deal for Durant. Other known offers have included Mikal Bridges from the Phoenix Suns and OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors.
The Nets have been seeking the best possible deal in the wake of Durant’s trade request, and for good reason: He is a franchise-altering talent, a two-time NBA Finals MVP known as one of the best scorers in NBA history. But after two recent blockbuster trades — namely the Hawks’ acquisition of Dejounte Murray that brought Danilo Gallinari, three draft picks and a pick swap to the San Antonio Spurs; and the Rudy Gobert megadeal between the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves that sent four rotation players, a 2022 first-round draft pick, four future first-round picks and a pick swap — no teams have been willing to meet the Nets’ asking price.
The Nets are asking for multiple All-Star caliber players, or an All-Star player, rotation players and draft compensation. Forfeiting such assets would essentially gut a team trading for Durant and potentially remove them from championship contention after any deal is consummated.
Which is why the Celtics are conveniently positioned as a team capable of both pulling a deal off and having the firepower to contend for a trade in the aftermath of a deal. After sweeping the Nets out of the first round and losing to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, the Celtics improved their roster by trading for Malcolm Brogdon and signing Gallinari as a free agent. Boston also owns all of its draft picks after 2023, which is only Top-12 protected and will likely convey to the Pacers next summer.
It would behoove the Celtics, however, to find ways to improve their roster if they hope to return to the NBA Finals. They swept a dysfunctional Nets team that lacked chemistry in the first round, defeated the Milwaukee Bucks without Khris Middleton in the second round, then handled the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals. The Heat made the conference finals by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers, who were without MVP candidate Joel Embiid for the first two games of that series.
Acquiring Durant is the closest thing to guaranteeing Boston returns to the biggest stage, especially given they are unwilling to part with Jayson Tatum in any Durant deal. A Tatum and Durant pairing would easily become the best duo in basketball.
Only, of course, if Boston doesn’t gut its roster to get him, which is the sticking point most teams have faced in discussions with the Nets for a trade with Durant. For Brooklyn, acquiring Brown and a healthy Ben Simmons creates one of the best defensive sets of wings in all of basketball. It remains unclear, however, what the rest of the roster looks like in the aftermath of a Durant deal, or whether or not Kyrie Irving is part of the picture after opting into the final year of his contract worth $37M.
The Celtics’ offer is the latest chapter in what’s been a weeks-long saga in the aftermath of Durant’s trade request. Durant has four years worth $198 million left on his deal, creating the illusion that the Nets can wait him out, but the last thing they should want is a messy situation dragging into training camp and the regular season.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
A one-and-done star with athleticism and length that makes him a legitimate NBA wing. Might be most ready to contribute among top draft picks.
John MinchilloA one-and-done star with athleticism and length that makes him a legitimate NBA wing. Might be most ready to contribute among top draft picks.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
In one season with the Bulldogs this lanky big man was a two-way standout with scoring touch and shot-blocking ability. Needs to bulk up.
John MinchilloIn one season with the Bulldogs this lanky big man was a two-way standout with scoring touch and shot-blocking ability. Needs to bulk up.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
The one-and-done Tigers star is top scorer who has the all-around skills to become a two-way star with improved defense.
John MinchilloThe one-and-done Tigers star is top scorer who has the all-around skills to become a two-way star with improved defense.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
A skilled forward with above average athleticism and basketball IQ. Another prototypical wing capable of guarding multiple positions.
John MinchilloA skilled forward with above average athleticism and basketball IQ. Another prototypical wing capable of guarding multiple positions.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
An extremely athletic lead guard after two college seasons who has an explosive first step and can create his own shot. Needs to improve on defense.
John MinchilloAn extremely athletic lead guard after two college seasons who has an explosive first step and can create his own shot. Needs to improve on defense.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Considered one of the best catch-and-shoot wings in the draft, he could be a contributor in the more wide-open NBA.
John MinchilloConsidered one of the best catch-and-shoot wings in the draft, he could be a contributor in the more wide-open NBA.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
A Canadian with athleticism and two-way skills who can score in a variety of ways. He did not play for the Wildcats last season.
John MinchilloA Canadian with athleticism and two-way skills who can score in a variety of ways. He did not play for the Wildcats last season.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
This Australian playmaker has above-average court vision and has shown the ability to become a lockdown defender.
John MinchilloThis Australian playmaker has above-average court vision and has shown the ability to become a lockdown defender.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Considered one of the best defenders available, he could fit in well in the NBA’s position-less game. Good rebounder and slasher too.
John MinchilloConsidered one of the best defenders available, he could fit in well in the NBA’s position-less game. Good rebounder and slasher too.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
After two years with the Badgers, he’s shown the ability to score in the lane and from mid-range. Has shown capacity to be elite defender.
John MinchilloAfter two years with the Badgers, he’s shown the ability to score in the lane and from mid-range. Has shown capacity to be elite defender.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
A scorer with great length who can make plays, he had an outstanding junior season for the Broncos. Needs to improve defense and rebounding.
John MinchilloA scorer with great length who can make plays, he had an outstanding junior season for the Broncos. Needs to improve defense and rebounding.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
One of the youngest players in the draft, he’s a physically gifted big man who can score inside and has the potential to defend inside and out. (His draft rights reportedly traded to Detroit.)
John MinchilloOne of the youngest players in the draft, he’s a physically gifted big man who can score inside and has the potential to defend inside and out. (His draft rights reportedly traded to Detroit.)
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Athletic 3-and-D wing, he played 122 games for the Jayhawks and knocked down 39.7% of his threes last season.
John MinchilloAthletic 3-and-D wing, he played 122 games for the Jayhawks and knocked down 39.7% of his threes last season.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Showed big upside during his sophomore season with his physicality and wingspan around the rim on both ends of the court.
John MinchilloShowed big upside during his sophomore season with his physicality and wingspan around the rim on both ends of the court.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
This two-way wing, who turns 19 in August, is considered one of the top scorers in the draft with solid moves and a mid-range game.
John MinchilloThis two-way wing, who turns 19 in August, is considered one of the top scorers in the draft with solid moves and a mid-range game.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Another prototypical wing who is long, athletic and capable of defending on the perimeter. Shot better than 50% in two seasons at LSU.
John MinchilloAnother prototypical wing who is long, athletic and capable of defending on the perimeter. Shot better than 50% in two seasons at LSU.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersRick Scuteri
A two-way player who was a low-volume shooter for the Wildcats, he has plenty of upside with his size and all-around game.
Rick ScuteriA two-way player who was a low-volume shooter for the Wildcats, he has plenty of upside with his size and all-around game.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
This versatile, wide-bodied forward had a solid junior season after transferring from Indiana State. Can score in a variety of ways. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
John MinchilloThis versatile, wide-bodied forward had a solid junior season after transferring from Indiana State. Can score in a variety of ways. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Another one-and-done wing who lacks elite athleticism but can score in a variety of ways. Shot 41.6% from deep, taking 2.8 threes per game.
John MinchilloAnother one-and-done wing who lacks elite athleticism but can score in a variety of ways. Shot 41.6% from deep, taking 2.8 threes per game.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
A skilled wing who shot 39% from deep last season, he’s a team player who brings energy on both ends of the court.
John MinchilloA skilled wing who shot 39% from deep last season, he’s a team player who brings energy on both ends of the court.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Played 29 games as a freshman reserve at UNC before starting 34 for the Tigers. Has a well-rounded offensive game and can defend. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Minnesota.)
John MinchilloPlayed 29 games as a freshman reserve at UNC before starting 34 for the Tigers. Has a well-rounded offensive game and can defend. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Minnesota.)
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersMichael Conroy
At 250 pounds, he plays bigger than his size and had a big junior season averaging 19.1 points while shooting 43.1% from deep. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
Michael ConroyAt 250 pounds, he plays bigger than his size and had a big junior season averaging 19.1 points while shooting 43.1% from deep. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
An athletic and skilled wing, he spent one season playing JC ball before joining the Ignite. Has all the tools to be a solid two-way player.
John MinchilloAn athletic and skilled wing, he spent one season playing JC ball before joining the Ignite. Has all the tools to be a solid two-way player.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
This one-and-done scorer could be a combo guard in the NBA, an exceptional athlete with a mid-range game and the ability to score in the lane.
John MinchilloThis one-and-done scorer could be a combo guard in the NBA, an exceptional athlete with a mid-range game and the ability to score in the lane.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersDavid J. Phillip
An excellent defender who averaged 13.4 points and 4.4 assists as a junior, when he sank 41% of his three-pointers.
David J. PhillipAn excellent defender who averaged 13.4 points and 4.4 assists as a junior, when he sank 41% of his three-pointers.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
A talented, offensive-minded wing who is a scorer and playmaker. Not an explosive athlete but does move well for his size.
John MinchilloA talented, offensive-minded wing who is a scorer and playmaker. Not an explosive athlete but does move well for his size.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersAlan Youngblood
An ankle injury led to him only playing 11 games for his father’s team, but he has plenty of upside and U19 national team experience.
Alan YoungbloodAn ankle injury led to him only playing 11 games for his father’s team, but he has plenty of upside and U19 national team experience.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
An athletic floor leader who can score and create. Good wingspan helps make him a solid defender and rebounder for his size.
John MinchilloAn athletic floor leader who can score and create. Good wingspan helps make him a solid defender and rebounder for his size.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
The Bruins reserve wing only averaged 12.9 minutes but has big upside with his athleticism, explosive first step and leaping ability.
Second Round:
John MinchilloThe Bruins reserve wing only averaged 12.9 minutes but has big upside with his athleticism, explosive first step and leaping ability.
Second Round:
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersCraig Mitchelldyer
A true floor general from Canada who has the size and experience to be a two-way player in the NBA after 131 games at Florida and Gonzaga.
Craig MitchelldyerA true floor general from Canada who has the size and experience to be a two-way player in the NBA after 131 games at Florida and Gonzaga.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJay LaPrete
This one-and-done wing is a solid scorer and playmaker, shooting 35.5% from deep while averaging 10.1 points in 34 starts.
Jay LaPreteThis one-and-done wing is a solid scorer and playmaker, shooting 35.5% from deep while averaging 10.1 points in 34 starts.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersDavid J. Phillip
After a breakout junior season with the Wildcats, this Cameroon native has the ability to be a rim protector and lob threat in the NBA.
David J. PhillipAfter a breakout junior season with the Wildcats, this Cameroon native has the ability to be a rim protector and lob threat in the NBA.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersMarcio Jose Sanchez
A big man with good all-around skills and basketball IQ who is made for the NBA game. An above-average defender as well.
Marcio Jose SanchezA big man with good all-around skills and basketball IQ who is made for the NBA game. An above-average defender as well.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersDarron Cummings
A lanky and crafty player, he’s a natural scorer who can get into the lane with ease. Only shot 38% from the field in his lone college season.
Darron CummingsA lanky and crafty player, he’s a natural scorer who can get into the lane with ease. Only shot 38% from the field in his lone college season.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersTed S. Warren
A combo guard with athleticism who has the ability to score off the dribble, from mid-range and deep. Plays out of control at times.
Ted S. WarrenA combo guard with athleticism who has the ability to score off the dribble, from mid-range and deep. Plays out of control at times.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersChris O'Meara
A one-and-done, hard-nosed floor general who can also score, averaging 13.9 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 38.3% on threes.
Chris O'MearaA one-and-done, hard-nosed floor general who can also score, averaging 13.9 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 38.3% on threes.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersRebecca S. Gratz
A natural scorer with plenty of athleticism and upside. Averaged 16.8 points, shooting 80.3% on free throws but only 27.4% from deep. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
Rebecca S. GratzA natural scorer with plenty of athleticism and upside. Averaged 16.8 points, shooting 80.3% on free throws but only 27.4% from deep. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersGene J. Puskar
He’s a low-post presence with the ability to score from mid-range. Had an outstanding junior season as a rebounder, defender and shot-blocker.
Gene J. PuskarHe’s a low-post presence with the ability to score from mid-range. Had an outstanding junior season as a rebounder, defender and shot-blocker.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersMarcio Jose Sanchez
A one-and-done lead guard who has size and athleticism. He started 26 of 36 games for the Blue Devils, averaging 11.5 points.
Marcio Jose SanchezA one-and-done lead guard who has size and athleticism. He started 26 of 36 games for the Blue Devils, averaging 11.5 points.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersDavid J. Phillip
This one-and-done, lanky forward from France is a solid two-way player who averaged 9.0 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Wolverines.
David J. PhillipThis one-and-done, lanky forward from France is a solid two-way player who averaged 9.0 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Wolverines.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersPaul Sancya
Has the skills to be a combo guard in the NBA after two college seasons, when he showed he could score in a variety of ways. A 50/40/90 shooter.
Paul SancyaHas the skills to be a combo guard in the NBA after two college seasons, when he showed he could score in a variety of ways. A 50/40/90 shooter.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersSean Meagher
A smooth one-and-done wing with leaping ability who only shot 14.3% from deep (2 of 14). Needs to improve range and defense.
Sean MeagherA smooth one-and-done wing with leaping ability who only shot 14.3% from deep (2 of 14). Needs to improve range and defense.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersTrent Sprague
A skilled wing who can score in a variety of ways. Could develop into a prototypical 3-and-D players.
Trent SpragueA skilled wing who can score in a variety of ways. Could develop into a prototypical 3-and-D players.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersTony Gutierrez
An explosive athlete and two-way standout, he has the ability to score in a variety of ways, just not from deep. Outstanding defender.
Tony GutierrezAn explosive athlete and two-way standout, he has the ability to score in a variety of ways, just not from deep. Outstanding defender.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersBrynn Anderson
The former Trojans star has a solid all-around game that could translate to a stretch 4, but lacks elite athleticism.
Brynn AndersonThe former Trojans star has a solid all-around game that could translate to a stretch 4, but lacks elite athleticism.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersFrank Franklin II
The Rhode Island transfer showed 3-and-D potential with the Huskies, averaging 13.6 points while shooting 43.1% from deep last season.
Frank Franklin IIThe Rhode Island transfer showed 3-and-D potential with the Huskies, averaging 13.6 points while shooting 43.1% from deep last season.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersDenis Poroy
The one-and-done combo guard made only six starts. He’s a big-time athlete with plenty of offensive moves. Lacks shooting depth.
Denis PoroyThe one-and-done combo guard made only six starts. He’s a big-time athlete with plenty of offensive moves. Lacks shooting depth.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersRick Bowmer
A potential combo forward, this Inglewood native is considered a tweener but is a proficient scorer and rebounder.
Rick BowmerA potential combo forward, this Inglewood native is considered a tweener but is a proficient scorer and rebounder.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersCharles Rex Arbogast
A hard-nosed two-way player from France who averaged 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in Australia’s NBL.
Charles Rex ArbogastA hard-nosed two-way player from France who averaged 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in Australia’s NBL.
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Nets, Celtics have discussed Kevin Durant-Jaylen Brown swap: reportJohn Minchillo
Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) drives against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, right, during the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Monday, April 25, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
John MinchilloBrooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) drives against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, right, during the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Monday, April 25, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
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